Leonid Meteor Shower 2024: Tonight, Brits can look forward to a celestial spectacle as the Leonid meteor shower reaches its peak, offering an exciting opportunity to witness shooting stars. The Leonids, renowned for their fast and bright comets, have been active since November 6 and will continue until November 30. However, the peak activity will occur from the evening of November 17 to the morning of November 18, with experts from Royal Museums Greenwich predicting around 10-15 meteors per hour.
To increase your chances of spotting a shooting star, find a dark location away from city lights, preferably with an unobstructed view of the sky. No special equipment is needed, just your eyes and some patience. With the peak tonight, it’s a perfect time to gaze at the heavens and catch the stunning display of natural wonder.
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The Leonid meteor shower: what is it?
The Leonid meteor shower, so named because meteors originate from the head of the constellation Leo the Lion, is associated with Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle.
Debris from the comet’s orbit around the sun penetrates Earth’s atmosphere at up to 70 kilometers per second and vaporizes to produce the light streaks that we know are meteors.
How to view the meteor shower in Leonid?
Since meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, choose a wide open area and stay away from light pollution to get the finest views of the Leonid meteor shower.
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Due to natural light pollution, vision may be hampered in 2024 when the Leonid meteor shower peaks during a full moon. According to the Daily Record, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try it, wear warm clothing and pack a cozy chair because you may remain outside for a while.
Fortunately, you can see them without binoculars or a telescope. However, you should give your eyes time to acclimate to the darkness. Don’t worry if you miss the peak; there will be plenty of chances to witness the spectacle as the shower continues at a slower pace for a few days on either side.
